Food and Drugs Administration Minister Manohar Naik had said yesterday in the Legislative Assembly that government would file caveat to guard against the possibility that gutkha/pan masala companies may go to the court.

Caveat ensures that state would be heard by the High Court before passing any interim order.

The proposed ban, announced by the cabinet two days ago, will be in force for one year as per the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction On Sale) Regulations, 2011, and would be extended later.

Twice in the past government tried to ban sale of gutkha near schools and colleges, but the bans were stayed by the courts in response to petitions of manufacturers.

According to the government, the magnesium carbonate in gutkha and pan masala causes oral cancer.